SSG Private RallyPoint Member 312211 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I like to know why is it that the greater majority of the SMA's selected are Combat Arms (ie..Infantry)? I understand that the primary mission of the Army is to close with and destroy the enemy but I think that once you get to that level of leadership, it shouldn't matter too terribly much what MOS you were prior to. Granted, combat arms have most often held the job, but when and where do we expect to see a change in that? 2014-11-05T14:26:57-05:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 312211

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I like to know why is it that the greater majority of the SMA's selected are Combat Arms (ie..Infantry)? I understand that the primary mission of the Army is to close with and destroy the enemy but I think that once you get to that level of leadership, it shouldn't matter too terribly much what MOS you were prior to. Granted, combat arms have most often held the job, but when and where do we expect to see a change in that?

2014-11-05T14:26:57-05:00 2014-11-05T14:26:57-05:00 1LT Nick Kidwell 312220

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would imagine that it has a lot to do with the leadership skills and mission-specific experiences that combat arms soldiers have.

2014-11-05T14:29:50-05:00 2014-11-05T14:29:50-05:00 SSG Christopher Freeman 321595

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have wondered the same thing here lately. To add onto that, what other MOSs do you think would be good fits for SMA? Personally, I believe a PAO SMA would be an interesting concept. Will it ever happen, doubtful.

2014-11-11T03:45:04-05:00 2014-11-11T03:45:04-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 322477

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Are there any other MOSs with CSMs??? Just kidding.<br /><br />In all honesty, it&#39;s more than likely the route CSM usually progress. As CSMs move from BN to BDE and higher, there are fewer opportunities for all...even less with low density MOSs BDEs. Because of that, the exposure for those CSM that are not combat arms is reduced. Just a thought!

2014-11-11T17:42:29-05:00 2014-11-11T17:42:29-05:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 322749

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Numbers, yo.<br /><br />Look at the CSM positions, they're all 00Z, right? That means they're MOS immaterial. However, they're staffed by DA boards that pick people based on their CMF. Very few CMFs have multiple 6O MOS fields. 89 series is one of them. The slots for BN and BDE are based on your CMF. If you're a 36, 42, 88, 89, 91, or 94 (sustainment); welcome to the BSB/CSSB/TRADOC equivalent.<br /><br />Who is the senior raters for every BSB (BN) and SB (BDE) CSM? A commanding officer in Maneuvers, Fires, and Effects (MFE).<br /><br /><br />The development CSM positions that give you the sweet ASIs for senior enlisted progression (seriously, read DA PAM 611-21 on milsuite.mil, your mind will be blown) aside, let's look at the SGM spots. DA PAM 611-21 chapter 9 mandates a "within CMF percentage of paygrade to paygrade" of less than one percent for each SGM specific CMF, but here's simple numbers: FMSweb (<a target="_blank" href="https://fmsweb.army.mil">https://fmsweb.army.mil</a>) lists 600 (!) SGM positions for 11Zs and 9 for 94Zs. <br /><br />EDIT: The final paragraph of the original post was a jab at the combat arms and support divide. My wording was flippant and poorly chosen. This was wrong and I apologize.

2014-11-11T20:46:47-05:00 2014-11-11T20:46:47-05:00 SGT Richard H. 322775

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For starters, I&#39;d say that part of it is sheer numbers. Think of it from the Battalion up. There&#39;s maybe one support Battalion for every three or four Combat arms Battalions....so on up the line for brigades to divisions, etc.....sheer numbers are dominated by combat arms.<br />Then there&#39;s tactical experience at progressively higher levels. A CSM doesn&#39;t ONLY advise the commander on morale and welfare. Combat Arms produces CSMs who have &quot;closed with and destroyed the enemy&quot; all the way from PV1 to CSM.

2014-11-11T21:01:11-05:00 2014-11-11T21:01:11-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 326225

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Doesn't bother me. The only requisite I would want for that position is a fighter. An advocate for the troops. Hopefully the new SMA is that.

2014-11-14T00:08:31-05:00 2014-11-14T00:08:31-05:00 COL Private RallyPoint Member 326246

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I appologize, but I'm lazy...here's my response to another comment, below...my concern would be that, as you stated, the purpose of the armed forces is to apply the will of America on its enemies...violently. This action is the realm of the Combat Arms. I would want a CSM who understood that. Not just peripherally as something he/she has seen, but something they have practiced and trained for. Diversity in this instance is not a reason to select someone for a position in which will exert amazing influence over how the Army trains and equips its fighting force. We certainly need a CSM in the Cyber Command...oh wait...CSM Rodney Harris is an infantryman. We deal in the application of violence. I want a CSM who is a master at its application. Diversity to me would be seeing an african american CSA, or a hispanic CSA, or a female CSA. As long as they came up in the Combat Arms and were experts at the use of high velocity munitions to end the life of another human being.

2014-11-14T00:27:38-05:00 2014-11-14T00:27:38-05:00 CSM Charles Hayden 442082

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Victor Jones, A recent article re: Possible nominees for SGM of the USMC included maybe 10 ea SGMs, I did not make a note, but I want to recall that ? 6 or 7 of them held Navy Crosses. Guess what the Marines want!

2015-01-28T22:43:32-05:00 2015-01-28T22:43:32-05:00 2014-11-05T14:26:57-05:00